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The evolution of self-healing polymers has resulted in a myriad of healing designs that have given way to complex systems capable of supporting multiple cycles, among other features. This progression enables us to propose the implementation of a timeline that classifies self-healing polymers in generations based on the healing mechanism, and correlated with historical development. The first generation employed the encapsulation of external healing agents; the second one, based on intrinsic mechanisms, applied reversible chemistries; and the third generation was inspired by natural examples such as plants and human skin, in which the healing agent is embedded in vascular networks. Despite great efforts and, with a few exceptions, polymers with high healing efficiency and high mechanical performance are not common. To improve this situation, a combination of different mechanisms is currently emerging …